I'm Michele K., the breeder behind Belle Isle located in Vernon, CT. We have been involved with Labradors since 1984. Many of our dogs are AKC Champions and hold obedience, agility, and hunting titles. Most importantly, they all are excellent family companions! Our goal is to produce beautiful, sound, and healthy Labradors that are versatile in the field, show ring, and as family pets.
Q. & A. with Michele
Why did you start breeding?
Although I have been involved with the wonderful Labrador Retriever breed since 1984, the beginning of my program didn't start until 2007 with my first show dog, Jack. He is the inspiration behind Belle Isle and helped start my breeding journey. I breed to not only continue my phenomenal and award-winning bloodlines, but to ensure the future of the breed for generations to come with its best qualities.
What makes your program special?
My program is unique because I strive for quality over quantity. I breed only one or two litters a year because I want to improve the next generation of the breed. I put all of my time, attention, and effort into each litter with the simple goal of improving the line. Out of every litter I produce, I keep a puppy for future generations. The remaining puppies are sold to loving, carefully vetted homes with AKC limited registration and spay and neuter agreements to further promote responsible practices and protect the future of the breed.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home.
Getting a puppy from Michele
Michele has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Connect with Michele to learn more details about pricing.
Contract & health guarantee
Michele may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If Michele offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to Michele directly.
Belle Isle meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Good level
Belle Isle reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Labrador Retrievers.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)
Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.
Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM), D Locus (Dilute) DNA test
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).